McKendree University’s Hett Center Announces Its 2015-2016 Season

(LEBANON, Ill., July 6, 2015) — The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University celebrates 10 years of “McKendree Presents” in its 2015-2016 season with several encore performances and many others making their Hett debut.

Reserved seats for all programs will be available to the public starting on Sept. 8 at noon. Buy tickets online at theHett.com, the box office, or by calling 618-537-6863 (1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6863). All events are open to the public and held at the 488-seat performing arts center on campus. Ticket prices range from $5 for children to $26 for adults, with discounts for seniors and students. Many programs are free, including the speaker series, films and several concerts.

Preview the new season online at theHett.com. The 2015-2016 season will include the following:

Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.: The Count Basie Orchestra, carrying on William “Count” Basie’s musical legacy, has won numerous jazz awards and 18 Grammys.

Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Classic Albums Live: Dark Side of the Moon recreates the 1973 Pink Floyd album track for track, note for note.

Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.: The St. Louis Brass Band with virtuoso tuba player Patrick Sheridan, a former member of “The President’s Own Marine Band.”

Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m.: Folk songstress Aysenur Kolivar explores the music and traditions of her Turkish heritage, presented by Arts Midwest World Fest.

Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.: Aquila Theatre: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes features British and American stage actors in a witty, fast paced production about the legendary London sleuth.

Nov. 22, 3 p.m.: The angelic voices of the Vienna Boys’ Choir open the holiday season at the Hett.

Dec. 8 and 9, 7:30 p.m.: U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America presents its popular holiday concert.

Dec. 20, 3 p.m.: COCA Presents The Little Dancer, the tale of Degas’ famous statuette who comes to life and dances through various works of art, performed by Ballet Eclectica.

Jan. 23, 2016, 7:30 p.m.: Tomáš Kubínek, “Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible,” an exuberant one-man show combining comedy, vaudeville, theatre and music hall.

Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Chamber Project Saint Louis makes its Hett debut, joined by soprano Stella Markou, featuring selections by Massenet, Ravel and more.

Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Vocalosity by “Pitch Perfect” music director and arranger Deke Sharon features a cappella singers exploring styles from classic to current hits.

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Celtic Nights takes the audience on a musical journey of Irish history, folklore, pride and passion through song, dance and storytelling.

March 10, 7:30 p.m.: Eisenhower Dance: The Light Show cleverly pairs choreography with unique lighting design for a visually striking evening of dance.

April 7, 7:30 p.m.: Cameron Carpenter featuring the International Touring Organ in a diverse repertoire of Bach, film scores, original works, jazz and pop.

April 29, 7:30 p.m.: Baladino, a world music ensemble, blends centuries-old folk melodies brought to Israel from Spain, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Arabic countries. Presented by Arts Midwest World Fest.

Admission is free for the Distinguished Speaker Series:

Sept. 22, 2015, 7:30 p.m.: Neuroscientist David Eagleman, author of the bestseller “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain” and director of the Laboratory for Perception and Action at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, author, philanthropist, and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy,speaks and writes passionately about faith and politics.

Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Dr. James Kakalios, a University of Minnesota professor, offers an entertaining exploration of “The Physics of Superheroes.”

Feb. 4, 2016, 7:30 p,m.: Dr. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, author of “The Physics of NASCAR” and a frequent guest on “Speedway” on SiriusXM Radio’s NASCAR Channel.

March 31, 7:30 p.m.: Aasif Mandvi, “The Daily Show” on-location correspondentand award-winning playwright (“Sakina’s Restaurant”).

The Hett’s free Film Art Series explores the theme of inquiry with “A Beautiful Mind,” Sept. 24; “The Third Man,” Nov. 9; “The Devil’s Backbone,” Jan. 27, 2016; “We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks,” March 23. All begin at 7 p.m.

The McKendree University Series showcases student talent (some dates may be subject to change):

Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Potpourri Concert

Nov. 5 to 7, 7:30 p.m.; Nov 8, 2:30 p.m.: Theatre Department Fall Play

Nov.10, 7:30 p.m.: Concert Band

Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.: Wind Ensemble

Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Recital

Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Marching Bearcat Band

Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Showstoppers Show Choir

Dec. 6, 3 p.m.: Choral Concert

Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Concert Band Christmas Concert; special guest Christine Brewer

March 3 to 5, 7:30 p.m.; March 6, 2:30 p.m.: Theatre Department Spring Play

April 21, 7:30 p.m.: Chamber Ensembles

April 22, 7:30 p.m.: Choral Concert

April 23-24, 7:30 p.m.: Showstoppers Show Choir

April 28, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Recital

May 2, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Ensembles

May 6, 7:30 p.m.: Concert Band

 

-McK-